Friday 26 June 2015 was a fine and sunny day in contrast to the many wet Fridays experienced during Hill View’s February to June 2015 walking
program when walks in the interest of health and safety have had to be changed or cancelled. The few walkers who have walked with Hill View for over 20 years all agree that the weather conditions during this period have been the most challenging they can recall.
Nestled between the M7 an industrial estate and the Western Railway Line is Nurragingy Reserve where Hill View celebrated the final walk and BBQ of its February to June 2015 programme. The name Nurragingy commemorates one of the two aborigines of the Dharug tribe who received the first land grant to natives by Governor Macquarie in 1819. The other title holder was Colebee whose name has been given to the Centre within the reserve. Part of the Cumberland Timber Forest the area supplied timber to the colony until after various uses over the years became no more than a rubbish dump. From the 1980s onwards the area developed into the lovely enjoyable and totally unexpected recreation reserve we have today.
Plus, Regular and Social walkers wandered through a section of a remaining pocket of the tall close growing open forest which once covered most of the Cumberland Plain to the marsh boardwalk and viewing platform the habitat of many species of frogs and water birds. From the Blacksmith’s wooden huts the group I think we can say ‘strolled’ through the more formal gardens including the Jim Lynch Wedding Garden stopping for morning tea at the lake and water spout in front of the Colebee Centre. A stop at the Fred Hollows Sensory Garden was followed by a walk through the various International Gardens up the only hill of the day to the Bungarribee Pavilion and a view down over the waterfall, lake, bridge and decorated Chinese Archways. Before returning to the cars and the Casuariuna picnic and BBQ area we had a look at the splash pond and windmill not working over winter but a favourite spot for families in the warmer months.
On arriving at the Casuarina Shelter Shed and BBQs we found Ray and Norma already cooking. Ray after meeting Jill and Rhondda at the entrance gate and asked by them to marshal all just down the road until everyone had arrived could not get his car started so we had to leave him ringing the NRMA and proceed with our walk. Never daunted when the car was sorted and ready to go Ray getting his priorities right found Casuarina and set about heating up one of the BBQs and had his and Norma’s lunch cooked just as the group emerged from the woodland.
All BBQs soon in use and cooking and eating proceeding ending with lots of sweet things being handed around including Chris C Hill View’s ‘mint lady’ with a plate of goodies.
Before leaving Hill View’s President Bert advised and summarised the function of Hill View’s new website which also included a demonstration by Don W.
Jill and Rhondda would like to thank Deidre for communicating with the very helpful Blacktown City Council and arranging the hiring of Casuarina for the day leaving them to sort out and arrange a walk which would be suitable for all whether a Plus, Regular or Social walker.
Words by Jill; photos by Susan follow.
".... remaining pocket of tall close growing open forest ..." "....'strolled' through the more formal gardens"
".... morning tea at the lake and water spout in front of the Colebee Centre"
".... up the only hill of the day"
".... and a view over the waterfall, lake and bridge ...."
".... and decorated Chinese Archways"
"All BBQs soon in use and cooking"
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[And on a side bar, the topic was? Car batteries?]
"Before leaving.... President Bert advised and summarized the function of Hill View's new website"
On this walk Jill, Rhondda and Deidre led 28 others: Chris C, Elaine E, Annette, David E, Mary, Dawn, Lawrie, Celia, Jean M, Barbara, Lyn, Don w, Pam S, Clive, Judy, John M, Norma, Ray, Don B, Helen A, Maurice, Susan, Aileen, Kas, Bert, Kevin, Rosemary S and one visitor.
Words by Jill; photos by Susan.